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The HERITAGE GALLERY introduce the mysterious Russian artist Alexander Dmitrievich Tikhomirov (1916-1995). Tikhomirov has his own unique style. His paintings are known by their complex compositional structure, powerful energy and inner dynamics, they have unique plastic solutions and a rich colour palette.
Tikhomirov “does not fit into the standards: his canvas show wild music, mad passion and extraordinary strong love. Interestingly enough, his canvas has a very strict, concise composition. His diagonal compositions hold canvases extremely well. It is amazing how much could be depicted in such a small space – striking with dimension and power. It was no coincidence that the art experts called him “Soviet Michelangelo”.
Tikhomirov always found time for his passion - the work on paintings and graphics which he worked on between the orders. These paintings have never been exhibited before perestroika, as they did not comply with requirements of social realism and perceptions about contemporary art in those days. Tikhomirov was deeply concerned about eternal problems of being and the purpose of a man, his inner world and the depths of his subconscious. That’s why he appealed to the Biblical scenes, themes of true and false insanity, loneliness in a crowd, cast aside confrontation of good and evil.
Many of his paintings on theatric themes are full of reminiscences from Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets, so much admired by the artist. Looking at his paintings, the spectator can find an entire gallery of images reflecting famous phrase of the play-writer: “All the world’s a stage…”, interpretation of the poetic idea of a correlation between the eyesight and spiritual vision – a sighted person can be spiritually blind; ambiguous perception of the role of dreams in life. Some of his paintings and graphic works on the theme of expulsion, pilgrimage refer us to the tragic characters of Ling Lear and Hamlet. One of Tikhomirov’s favourite characters is a motley, laughing at vices of the society, clown-philosopher, keen observant of life. “The Motley belongs to the society. It’s him who tells the truth into your face” – the artist used to say.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
26 Lorne St, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand